Lonely Planet loves Waikato

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The latest New Zealand edition of The Lonely Planet is out and the Waikato has come up smelling of, er, roses.

"If the colour green had a homeland this would be it," Brett Atkinson, Sarah Bennett, Peter Dragicevich, Charles Rawlings-Way and Lee Slater write of the region.

They also say Hamilton leaves Auckland's Viaduct Harbour for dead when it comes to nightlife.

"Landlocked cities in the island nation will never have the glamorous appeal of their coastal cousins . . . Hamilton and Palmerston North, despite majestic rivers, are left clutching short straws," they write.

"However, something strange has happened in Hamilton recently. The city's main street has sprouted a sophisticated and vibrant stretch of bars and eateries . . . that - on the weekend at least - leave Auckland Viaduct Harbour for dead in the boozy fun stakes."

The rest of the region also comes up trumps with Te Kuiti, the shearing capital of the world, being described as "cute" and sitting in a valley between picturesque hills.

Otorohanga: "One of several nondescript North Island towns to adopt a gimmick, Otorohanga's main street is festooned with images of cherished Kiwiana icons . . . But gimmicks aside, the Kiwi House is well worth a visit."

Waitomo Caves: "If damp, dark tunnels sound like your idea of hell, take a chill pill and head to Waitomo anyway."

Taumarunui: "this town in the heart of the King Country has potential."